There are now more opportunities for Queenslanders to speak up about the benefits they would like to see from the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games™ (GC2018).

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey today announced a series of community meetings in July on the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

“I’m really pleased at the response we’ve had to the online survey about the GC2018 legacy, which shows Queenslanders are taking ownership of the Games,” Ms Stuckey said.

“Meeting participants will have the chance to consider feedback from the survey and then explore how we can use opportunities from GC2018 to create active and healthy lifestyles, united communities and new business prospects.

“We want to discuss these ideas with the broader community including how communities can engage in implementing legacy projects.”

The community meetings will be held on the Gold Coast on 19, 23 and 26 July; with one meeting scheduled for Brisbane on 24 July.

The Gold Coast meeting on 26 July will focus on economic opportunities extending from GC2018 and is part of Queensland Small Business Week.

“We are continuing to meet with key stakeholders to develop lasting partnerships that can deliver a valuable legacy for our communities,” Ms Stuckey said.

“During July we will meet with business, tourism, sporting and community representatives from Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton and Bundaberg to identity and develop opportunities across the State for the benefit of all Queenslanders.”

Ms Stuckey said the Queensland Government was collaborating with the City of Gold Coast and other key stakeholders to develop a state-wide legacy plan to be released late this year.

“With good planning we can deliver a long-term return on our GC2018investment. Initiatives we are considering and developing will have the potential to create economic, tourism, social and sporting legacies for our communities,” she said.

“We are already witnessing the benefits of hosting the event, with accelerated redevelopment of the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre so it can stage the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in August 2014.

“I encourage people to register their interest in attending a community meeting or if you haven’t already, complete the online survey so that we have your views.”

The survey is available at legacy2018.com until 19 July 2013. You can also register your interest in receiving further updates about legacy planning at the same website.